RELATIVES of a soldier killed in Afghanistan will launch an appeal at the weekend for a new war memorial in his home village.

The memorial will honour all servicemen from Dipton, near Stanley, County Durham, who have lost their lives in conflict.

Hundreds mourned Sapper Daryn Roy, 28, at his funeral at St John’s Church in the village in May 2010.

Since he was killed in a roadside bomb, villagers have raised thousands for the Help the Heroes charity.

Now his uncle, Derek Hindson, 60, is spearheading a fund for a new war memorial to replace what he has described as an “inadequate stone”.

“There was a War Memorial, but it was removed several years ago by the old Derwentside District Council. Nobody seems to know what happened to it.

“The present stone does not contain the names of the war dead from Dipton.

“We are looking to raise at least £15,000 for a new war memorial.

“This is not only to remember Daryn, but of course his name will also be on it.”

The appeal is supported by Daryn’s parents, Alan and Carol, as well as by North West Durham MP Pat Glass.

Ms Glass said: "It is important that the people of Dipton have a memorial where they can pay their respects, on Remembrance Sunday and throughout the year, to Daryn Roy, a young man of this community who fought and died for his country in Afghanistan, and to all those service personnel who died in two world wars and since.

The War Memorial Appeal will be launched with a concert at Dipton Workingmen’s Club starring the Lorraine MacMillan Country Band at 7.30pm on Saturday. Tickets are £2.50 on the door.